I admire people who run without music. First of all, I cannot wrap my head around how they do it. I need music to keep me on pace, keep me motivated, and keep me moving! I’ve tried running without music, but my thoughts immediately go to the tightness in my calves, my bad ankle acting up, or the burning in my legs. This is extremely distracting. However, with music, I can focus on the lyrics and the rhythm in order to keep me distracted.

Just to clarify, like most runners, I’m not jogging along to country roads, I need fast, upbeat, and quick tempo music to keep me running along.

This week has been rather hectic! Now that the sun is here to stay (fingers crossed), I’ve been spring cleaning the house from the outside-in. I’m also getting back into my running routine considering my 15km race is quickly approaching! Myself, my brother’s girlfriend, and three of my best friends are doing the Nike Women’s 15km Race in Toronto in June. Considering the furthest race I’ve done was 10km, I best get back into the swing of things. Otherwise, someone will be piggy backing me to the finish line. Any takers?

I’ve been working adamantly to eat clean as it will be bathing suit season before we know it (joy to the world). I went to Canadian Tire and these adorable little girls approached me asking “do you want to buy girl guide cookies,” and I thought yes but my waistline doesn’t. I try to always support the community in whatever way I can so of course I bought a box, I’m just hoping my boyfriend will eat them all so I’m not tempted :). Mint chocolate is my weakness.

Like many others I’ve fought insomnia too many times to count. Whether it’s stress or anxiety keeping me awake at night, sometimes it seems as though I can’t tun my brain off. I’m thinking about the next day, my plans for the week, what needs done around the house, what needs completed at work, what to buy my Dad for his birthday, and so on and so forth! This is a common occurrence in my immediate family. So, I began to research remedies and tips on how to get a great night’s rest! Here’s what has worked for me:

1. Don’t eat late at night, preferably not after 7:00pm if you can help it. If you indulge in a late night snack this may keep you awake as your body is working to digest.

2. Try to avoid drinking large amounts of liquid before bed. I found that throwing back water until I went to bed resulted in having to get up to use the washroom multiple times in a night which interrupted my sleep.

3. Keep your room cool or use a fan. If you’re too hot you will toss and turn and be unable to get comfortable.

4. Maintain a quiet and dark space. The darker your room, the better you’ll sleep. If you get up during the night to use the washroom, avoid flicking on the bright light. Not only will this light blind you, it can make it more difficult for your body to adjust to go back to sleep.

5. If you’re having trouble relaxing try light stretching before, or even in your bed. Practice deep breathing and muscle relaxation. If you find yourself struggling to slow your thoughts down, try reading a book to distract your mind from your stressors.

March 31st and the temperature is finally above 0. Now let’s just hope it stays. My snow tires are still on, just incase! With the sun coming out of hibernation, all of my bright and colourful home decor is returning. Here are some beautiful spring decor ideas for your home!

Ellie has an intense attachment to my boyfriend and I. She’s currently on medicine for separation anxiety and we take her to training once a week. She loves going for car rides with us but panics when either of us get out of the car. She wants to be able to watch out for us at all times.

Today I took Ellie with me to Tim Horton’s and usually she tries to leap through the drive-thru window and into the cafe. However, today was different! She sat and waited for her timbits, let me pay (which is usually nearly impossible), and enjoyed her treats while I put my tea in the cup holder. This was such a huge accomplishment for Ellie. She loves people so much and wants to meet every person she sees, so being able to contain herself while the nice woman working gave her treats was a big deal!

Since she was such a good girl I took her to Pet Valu as we’ve been looking for an elk antler for her. It was her very first time coming into the pet store and she couldn’t have behaved better! There were two elderly people in the store who came over to pet her. She sat calmly and licked their hands while they pet her. This was another big deal! Whenever Ellie meets new people she wants to jump up on them and give them hugs and kisses (we’re working on this). However, this time she was so polite and gentle, I was so proud of her!

Today I took Ellie for her first official run with me. For those of you who don’t know Ellie is our 10 month old German Shepherd. This has been a long time in the making as it took a lot of training for her to stay beside me and stop before crossing the road. She did so well and only almost tripped me once. It would’ve been a messy tumble as I got tangled in her leash and probably would’ve landed on top of her. The sidewalks are bare so I was able to wear my running shoes for the first time in what seems like forever.

Ellie pushes me to go faster and I think she’d appreciate if I picked up the pace a bit. She also does not quite grasp the idea of a cool down and would rather continue running endlessly. Unfortunately at this point I can’t run for kilometres on end.

All in all she did so well and I’m so proud of her. We’re now both exhausted and ready to relax for the night. Now we just need the man of the house to cook dinner, worth a shot right?